As Stephen rode his Turkoman horse out of the stable, Sheamus chuckled, "Looks like you two are getting along just fine."

  "Of course. And your saddle's pretty damn comfortable too."

  Stephen was in high spirits, having acquired such a fine horse.

  He patted the saddle beneath him, saying, "A saddle like this must be worth a fortune, huh?"

  "Oh, it's just a small token of my appreciation."

  Sheamus waved his hand dismissively, adding, "I measured him myself, every inch of his muscles. Then my wife made it by hand, perfectly molded to his every contour."

  "It's not only more comfortable than a regular saddle, but it's easier on the horse, too."

  Sheamus puffed out his chest with pride. "It's my own special touch, you know? Most folks can't make a saddle this good."

  "Thank you kindly. Seems I picked the right man."

  Stephen grinned. "Maybe we can do more business down the line. Might even send some customers your way."

  "Sure thing. We can keep this partnership going."

  Sheamus wrung his hands together in excitement. "And for any clients you refer, I'll give you a little kickback. You know."

  Stephen gave Sheamus a look of approval. The fella knew how to play the game.

  "Alright, I gotta head out."

  Stephen put on his cowboy hat and loaded the food and booze he'd gathered onto the horse's back.

  He turned to Sheamus, patted him on the shoulder, and said, "Remember, I'm holding you to that one month."

  Without waiting for a response, he swung himself onto the horse.

  He gave the reins a yank and tapped the horse's flanks lightly, sending the steed charging forward.

  Gotta give it to warhorses, they sure got some power in them when they take off.

  It was Stephen's first time riding a warhorse of such caliber. He almost got tossed off at the first jolt.

  Perched high on the back of the mighty animal, he watched as the landscape blurred past.

  The warm wind whipped at his face, and Stephen felt a surge of exhilaration.

  No doubt about it, riding a magnificent warhorse like this was a far cry from riding Little White.

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  If Little White was a sleek, fast sports car, quick and stable.

  This guy was like a heavy-duty SUV, unstoppable once it got rolling.

  Its hooves thudded against the ground, each stride brimming with raw force, leaving little divots in the soft earth.

  The big guy beneath him had obviously been cooped up in the stable for too long, yearning to run wild.

  Without any prompting from Stephen, it took off like a bat out of hell, a blur of unfettered speed.

  Thanks to its breakneck pace, Stephen made it back to Horseshoe Overlook in a single afternoon.

  "Hey there, you switched horses."

  It was Mrs. Sadie on watch duty, and she greeted a sprightly Stephen with a teasing grin. "What's this? Struck gold while you were away? A horse like that don't come cheap."

  Stephen noticed that Mrs. Sadie had resumed watch duty. Seemed like she was getting back to her old self.

  Hosea was on the level after all, managing to get through to her. How the hell did he pull that off?

  "Just a few small jobs, made a bit of scratch, that's all."

  Stephen modestly shrugged. "What's this? You standing guard today? Where's everyone else?"

  "Got nothing better to do. Ain't too keen on all that robbery and whatnot. Figured I'd stand watch."

  Sadie looked at Stephen, then took him aside and asked in a hushed tone, "Why did you join this gang anyway?"

  Stephen raised his eyebrows at Sadie, not really understanding her question.

  Before Stephen could respond, Mrs. Sadie went on. "I don't know what you have in mind, but..."

  "But they're outlaws at the end of the day. You're a decent man, Stephen. You shouldn't be..."

  Seeing the disappointed look on Sadie's face, Stephen grasped what she meant.

  Once you join a gang, you're in for life.

  It was a brand that can never be erased.

  Of course Stephen understood this. He looked around and whispered, "They've got beef with the O'Driscoll gang. I need to avenge Mr. Yake. This is the best way."

  Sadie cut him off immediately. "Yake was my husband. Avenging him is my job."

  "But you folks saved my life and nursed me back to health. I can't just walk away without doing anything. It ain't my style."

  Stephen said firmly. "I remember the people who have been good to me for the rest of my life, and I'll never forget them."

  "What's more, Arthur and Hosea, they are good people as I can tell."

  "Without their help, I could never take on the O'Driscoll gang on my own. They're too many."

  Even if Stephen was a good fighter, how many people could he really take down?

  Don't let Stephen's victory over a dozen O'Driscolls fool you. That was a sneak attack, taking advantage of the cover of darkness.

  Even so, did Stephen really not feel a shred of fear as the bullets whizzed past him?

  Of course he did. He's only human, not a super-powered machine with a system.

  He needed allies to fight the O'Driscoll gang.

  Rather than relying on the untrustworthy law enforcement and the Pinkertons, the Van der Linde gang, with their strength and willingness to help, and their deep-seated animosity towards the O'Driscolls, was obviously the best option.

  You only live once. Why not live without regret, savoring your moments of vengeance?

  Stephen didn't want to lie on his deathbed regretting why he never took a chance when he was younger.

  Seeing the determination in Stephen's eyes, Sadie couldn't help but sigh.

  She shook her head and said helplessly, "I understand, they're good people. They wouldn't have saved me otherwise."

  "But if those bounty hunters find out, they'll put a warrant out for you. It's not worth it."

  Stephen was well aware that anyone in the Van der Linde gang was a fugitive, and he had steeled himself for that.

  Mrs. Sadie continued earnestly, "You're still young. You've got plenty of time. Don't throw away your whole life just to get revenge."

  "No, it's not about revenge."

  Stephen looked steadily at Sadie. "It's judgment for those scum. Judgment from me."

  Seeing the firmness in Stephen's face, Sadie knew there was no talking him out of it.

  This boy was just like Yake, grateful for what he had, never backing down.

  Looking at Stephen, Sadie suddenly missed her husband terribly, and she didn't know what to do.